Patents Assigned to Generac Power Systems, Inc.
  • Patent number: 11646571
    Abstract: A modular load management system comprises one or more compact modules designed to fit in the wiring troughs of a standard AC distribution panel of a building. The modules include one or more input terminals to receive electrical power from one or more circuit breakers in the panel and deliver power to load circuits of the building via one or more output terminals. The modules contain at least one disconnect switch for disconnecting circuits from breakers in response to a remote or locally-generated control signal. The modules may also include current sensors on some or all terminals, such that power and energy flow may be monitored on a per-circuit basis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: Generac Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan Hallam, Jonathan Li, Ching Kun Meng
  • Publication number: 20230101285
    Abstract: This disclosure is directed to generator systems and methods for monitoring a direct current bus and automatically operating in response to a power level of the direct current bus dropping below a desired power level or to a threshold before dropping below the power level. The automatic operation of the generator system may raise or keep the actual power level of the system above the desired power level or threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2022
    Publication date: March 30, 2023
    Applicant: Generac Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Tin Luu, Robert Ricciardelli, JR., Teresa Nash, Matthew Ellis
  • Patent number: 11616386
    Abstract: An automatic transfer switch includes a first conduction bar selectively coupled with a first power source and a load conduction bar; a second conduction bar selectively coupled with a second power source and the load conduction bar; a first blade assembly electrically coupled to the first conduction bar; and a second blade assembly electrically coupled to the second conduction bar. The first blade assembly is electrically coupled to a first source conduction bar in a closed position, and a first electromagnetic force induced by a first current flowing through the first blade assembly and the first conduction bar repulses the first blade assembly. The second blade assembly is electrically coupled to a second source conduction bar in a closed position, and a second electromagnetic force induced by a second current flowing through the second blade assembly and the second conduction bar repulses the second blade assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: Generac Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Nick Brusky, Joseph Gerovac
  • Patent number: 11527792
    Abstract: A battery module includes features to optimize cooling while providing electrical isolation and cell gas-venting channels. The battery module can include the integration of a heatsink in order to improve thermal performance. Thermally conductive pads can be provided to create an electrically isolated interface between a plurality of series-connected battery-cell lead plates, at different potentials, and the heatsink. Optimization, by stacking thin and thick thermally conductive pads, allows for creation of gas-venting channels along the positive cell terminal locations. In some arrangements, a plurality of fluid paths are disposed between the inlet and the outlet of the battery module to provide heat convective airflow through the battery module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: Generac Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel Hooper, Peter Lex, Tod Tesch
  • Patent number: 11521614
    Abstract: A system including at least one computerized device with voice command capability processed remotely includes a low power processor, executing a loose algorithmic model to recognize a wake word prefix in a voice command, the loose model having a low false rejection rate but suffering a high false acceptance rate, and a second processor which can operate in at least a low power/low clock rate mode and a high power/high clock rate mode. When the first processor determines the presence of the wake word, it causes the second processor to switch to the high power/high clock rate mode and to execute a tight algorithmic model to verify the presence of the wake word. By using the two processors in this manner, the average overall power required by the computerized device is reduced, as is the amount of waste heat generated by the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: GENERAC POWER SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Tarun Tuli
  • Patent number: 11519325
    Abstract: A method of operating a forced induction gaseous-fueled engine includes mixing gaseous-fuel and engine intake air to form a mixture at a fuel mixer. The method includes delivering the mixture to an intake manifold by at least partially bypassing a charge air cooler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Generac Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven W. Craig, Andrew P. Sibrel, Aaron J. Baska, Douglas R. Clement
  • Patent number: 11418172
    Abstract: A two-terminal electrical protective device operates by harvesting energy from a small but non-zero voltage drop across a closed solid-state switch. From a default, open-circuit state, the device is remotely triggered by an AC signal to enter the desired conductive state. Power scavenged by an energy harvesting circuit while the device is in the conductive state, powers a gate drive circuit to hold the device in the conductive state for as long as current flows. When current stops, the device returns to the default open-circuit state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Generac Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Joshua Daniel Kaufman
  • Publication number: 20220243672
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine-based system includes an internal combustion engine. The internal combustion engine-based system includes an engine interrupt connected to the engine. The engine interrupt is configured to selectively stop the operation of the engine. The internal combustion engine-based system includes a controller in communication with the engine interrupt. The internal combustion engine-based system includes a carbon monoxide detector in communication with the controller. The controller uses the engine interrupt to stop the operation of the engine when the carbon monoxide detector provides the controller with signals that are representative of a carbon monoxide level proximate the internal combustion engine that together form a trend of building carbon monoxide amounts over a set time interval.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2022
    Publication date: August 4, 2022
    Applicant: Generac Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory A. WISCHSTADT, Adam M. SCHROEDER, Mitchell L. HORN, Brandon SCHMIDT, Kevin COLE, Tod R. TESCH
  • Publication number: 20220140671
    Abstract: A rotor core lamination is provided. The rotor core lamination includes a plurality of salient poles. Each of the salient poles includes: a pole body having a central axis in a radial direction of the rotor core lamination; and a pole shoe extending radially outward from the pole body, wherein the pole shoe has a pole shoe arc, and a central point of the pole shoe arc is offset from the central axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2020
    Publication date: May 5, 2022
    Applicant: Generac Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: David William Pollock
  • Patent number: 11317564
    Abstract: A battery-operated mower is provided that includes a chassis supporting a first drive wheel and a second drive wheel, a battery pack, a first electric drive wheel motor interconnected to the first drive wheel and second electric drive wheel motor interconnected to the second drive wheel; one or more electric blade motors; an electric cooling fan in fluid communication with at least one of the first electric drive wheel motor and second electric drive wheel motor; one or more controllers for controlling the rotational speed of the first electric drive wheel motor, the second electric drive wheel motor, and the blade motors; and a left control actuator in communication with a first throttle sensor and a right control actuator in communication with a second throttle sensor, wherein the first throttle sensor and second throttle sensor are in communication with the one or more controllers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: Generac Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph C. Conrad, Matthew C. Conrad
  • Publication number: 20220123584
    Abstract: A load shed module configured to be connected in series between a power supply and a load is disclosed. A separate load shed module is connected in series between each load and the power supply. The load shed module determines the frequency of the voltage supplied from the power supply. Based on the frequency, the load shed module determines if utility power is connected or if a generator is connected. If the generator is connected and the frequency of the voltage goes outside of a desired operating range for a preset time, the load shed module disconnects the load from the power supply. Each load shed module includes a priority setting and reconnects its corresponding load after a predetermined time corresponding to the priority setting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2021
    Publication date: April 21, 2022
    Applicant: Generac Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Brendan Pancheri, Greg Wischstadt, Robert Iles, Andy Phillips, Taesik Yu, Sungmin Lee
  • Publication number: 20220115900
    Abstract: An automatic transfer switch includes a first conduction bar selectively coupled with a first power source and a load conduction bar; a second conduction bar selectively coupled with a second power source and the load conduction bar; a first blade assembly electrically coupled to the first conduction bar; and a second blade assembly electrically coupled to the second conduction bar. The first blade assembly is electrically coupled to a first source conduction bar in a closed position, and a first electromagnetic force induced by a first current flowing through the first blade assembly and the first conduction bar repulses the first blade assembly. The second blade assembly is electrically coupled to a second source conduction bar in a closed position, and a second electromagnetic force induced by a second current flowing through the second blade assembly and the second conduction bar repulses the second blade assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2021
    Publication date: April 14, 2022
    Applicant: Generac Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Nick Brusky, Joseph Gerovac
  • Patent number: 11248540
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine-based system includes an internal combustion engine. The internal combustion engine-based system includes an engine interrupt connected to the engine. The engine interrupt is configured to selectively stop the operation of the engine. The internal combustion engine-based system includes a controller in communication with the engine interrupt. The internal combustion engine-based system includes a carbon monoxide detector in communication with the controller. The controller uses the engine interrupt to stop the operation of the engine when the carbon monoxide detector provides the controller with signals that are representative of a carbon monoxide level proximate the internal combustion engine that together form a trend of building carbon monoxide amounts over a set time interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: Generac Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory A. Wischstadt, Adam M. Schroeder, Mitchell L. Horn, Brandon Schmidt, Kevin Cole, Tod R. Tesch
  • Patent number: 11227728
    Abstract: An automatic transfer switch includes a motor and a drive shaft rotatable by the motor. The automatic transfer switch includes a gear rotatable by the drive shaft. The automatic transfer switch includes a pin attached to, and movable with, the gear. The pin is offset from the central axis of the gear. The automatic transfer switch includes a bracket rotatable around the central axis of the gear and connected to an output shaft. The bracket is rotatable separately from the gear. Upon rotation of the bracket, the output shaft rotates. The bracket has at least a first source position and a second source position and the first and second source positions are different. The automatic transfer switch includes a module connected to the output shaft. The module includes at least one movable electrical contact which moves upon rotation of the output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: Generac Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Debra J. Miller, Joseph Peter Gerovac, Joseph M. Finney, Nicholas P. Brusky
  • Publication number: 20220003828
    Abstract: A smart current transformer for determining primary current or power consumption, by stepping down the primary current to a secondary current for subsequent measurement by a connected meter. The current transformer is provided with a connected non-volatile memory for storing calibration data (and optionally identification data) regarding that particular current transformer. The calibration data can include the gain error and/or phase delay for the current transformer, as determined from prior calibration testing of the current transformer. The calibration data may be communicated to or otherwise determined by the meter, and used to calibrate the measurement of the secondary current, in order to determine the primary current or power consumption. Also disclosed is a system and method utilizing such a smart current transformer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2019
    Publication date: January 6, 2022
    Applicant: GENERAC POWER SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Kyle KLUMPER, Jonathan HALLAM, Shabnam SHAMBAYATI, Jonathan LI, Colby GORE, Ching Kun MENG
  • Publication number: 20210289708
    Abstract: A battery-operated electric mower having a chassis that supports at least an operator support and a first and second drive wheel, each drive wheel respectively connected to one of a first and a second drive wheel motor. The first drive wheel motor may be connected to the first drive wheel by a first gear mechanism, which may include a first system of planetary gears, and the second drive wheel motor may be connected the second drive wheel by a second gear mechanism, which may include a second system of planetary gears. The chassis also supports a battery pack positioned, at least in part, within the same horizontal plane as at least one of the drive wheel motors. The battery may be positioned, at least in part, between the first drive wheel motor and the second drive wheel motor, significantly lowering the mower's center of gravity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2021
    Publication date: September 23, 2021
    Applicant: Generac Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph C. Conrad, Matthew C. Conrad
  • Publication number: 20210280376
    Abstract: An automatic transfer switch includes a motor and a drive shaft rotatable by the motor. The automatic transfer switch includes a gear rotatable by the drive shaft. The gear has a plurality of teeth offset from a central axis of the gear and the teeth are engageable by the drive shaft. The automatic transfer switch includes a pin attached to, and movable with, the gear. The pin is offset from the central axis of the gear. The automatic transfer switch includes a bracket rotatable around the central axis of the gear and connected to an output shaft. The bracket is rotatable separately from the gear. Upon rotation of the bracket, the output shaft rotates. The bracket has at least a first source position and a second source position and the first and second source positions are different. The automatic transfer switch includes a chargeable motivator that has a first end and a second end. The first end is connected to the pin and the second end is connected to a portion of the bracket offset from the central axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2021
    Publication date: September 9, 2021
    Applicant: Generac Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Debra J. Miller, Joseph Peter Gerovac, Joseph M. Finney, Nicholas P. Brusky
  • Patent number: 11108265
    Abstract: A load shed module configured to be connected in series between a power supply and a load is disclosed. A separate load shed module is connected in series between each load and the power supply. The load shed module determines the frequency of the voltage supplied from the power supply. Based on the frequency, the load shed module determines if utility power is connected or if a generator is connected. If the generator is connected and the frequency of the voltage goes outside of a desired operating range for a preset time, the load shed module disconnects the load from the power supply. Each load shed module includes a priority setting and reconnects its corresponding load after a predetermined time corresponding to the priority setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Generac Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Brendan Pancheri, Greg Wischstadt, Robert Iles, Andy Phillips, Taesik Yu, Sungmin Lee
  • Publication number: 20210222611
    Abstract: A method of operating a forced induction gaseous-fueled engine includes mixing gaseous-fuel and engine intake air to form a mixture at a fuel mixer. The method includes delivering the mixture to an intake manifold by at least partially bypassing a charge air cooler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2020
    Publication date: July 22, 2021
    Applicant: Generac Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven W. CRAIG, Andrew P. SIBREL, Aaron J. BASKA, Douglas R. CLEMENT
  • Patent number: D981665
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: Generac Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter J. Nushart, Matthew P. Fritsch, Keith E. Muellenbach